International Adoption FAQ
Common Questions Answered
Hand in Hand
Answers to the most common questions about international adoption — cost, eligibility, timelines, travel, the home study, and how Hand in Hand works. Updated 2026.
- Hague Accredited
- 10,000+ Families Served
About the Agency
Is Hand in Hand licensed?
Yes. Hand in Hand has licensed offices in Colorado, Indiana, Utah, and Florida. We are Hague-accredited by the Intercountry Adoption Accreditation and Maintenance Entity (IAAME) — the body created for the sole purpose of accreditation, monitoring, and oversight of international adoption agencies in the United States.
What is Hague accreditation and why does it matter?
The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption is an international treaty designed to protect children, birth families, and adoptive families in intercountry adoption. Hague accreditation means an agency has been vetted and approved to work in Hague Convention countries and meets strict ethical and procedural standards. All Hand in Hand country programs are Hague-accredited. Families working with a Hague-accredited agency have significantly stronger legal protections.
How long has Hand in Hand been operating?
and in Hand was founded in 1974 by MaryLee Lane, making us one of the longest-established international adoption agencies in the United States. We have been placing children with families for over 52 years.
Eligibility
Is there an age requirement to adopt internationally?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a minimum age of 25. Most countries also impose their own age requirements. Hand in Hand follows each country’s requirements and imposes no additional minimum or maximum age beyond what the foreign country requires.
Are there religious requirements?
Hand in Hand imposes no religious requirements. However, some countries in our programs do have religious requirements. Please refer to the specific country page for details.
Are there income requirements?
U.S. immigration requires that your adjusted gross income be at least 125% of the U.S. government’s Poverty Line. Some countries, such as China, have additional specific income or net worth requirements. Contact us for country-specific details.
Can a single person adopt internationally?
Yes, in many of our programs. Bulgaria and Brazil accept single applicants. Haiti accepts single heterosexual women. Hong Kong has limited eligibility for single women with child care experience. Requirements vary by country — contact us to discuss your situation.
Cost & Financial Help
How much does international adoption cost?
International adoptions through Hand in Hand typically range from $17,000 to $40,000 including agency fees, in-country costs, and travel. Fees vary by country and by your state of residence. Hand in Hand uses a staggered billing system — fees are due as milestones are reached, not all at once.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Hand in Hand has assistance available on a case-by-case basis. An Adoption Finance Coach is available to help families explore adoption grants, the federal adoption tax credit, employer adoption benefits, and adoption loans. Contact us to connect with our Finance Coach.
The Process
How long does international adoption take?
Timelines vary by country. Bulgaria: 12–18 months for children over three or with special needs. Brazil: 1–2 years. Haiti: 18 months to 3 years. Hong Kong: 12–18 months. Hungary: confirm with program director. The home study and immigration paperwork steps are the same regardless of country.
What is a home study?
A home study is a required assessment of your household, background, and readiness to adopt. It includes home visits, interviews, background checks, and references. Hand in Hand completes home studies for families in Colorado, Indiana, Utah, and Florida. Families in other states complete their home study through an accredited local agency.
What is a dossier?
A dossier is the complete package of legal and personal documents submitted to the foreign country — including your home study, financial documents, medical records, background checks, references, and more. Each country has specific dossier requirements. Hand in Hand prepares and translates your dossier.
What is the I-800A?
The I-800A is the first immigration form filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is the application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition — essentially asking USCIS to begin reviewing your eligibility to bring a child to the U.S. before a specific child has been identified.
What medical information will we receive about our child?
This varies by country. Most foreign governments provide a detailed case history, photos, and videos. Some provide only a current physical examination record and photo. All countries typically test for HIV and Hepatitis A and B. You receive your child’s full medical file before accepting a referral, and you can have an adoption-competent physician review it.
Do we have any say in the child matching process?
Yes. You provide detailed information about the type of child you are open to adopting — age range, gender preferences, types of special needs you can accept. Hand in Hand and the foreign country use this information to identify a match. A referral is presented to you for review, and you make the final decision to accept or decline.
After Adoption
Will my child be a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Children adopted through Hague Convention countries become U.S. citizens upon arrival in the United States. Some countries, such as Hong Kong, finalize adoption through U.S. family court after your return — in those cases, citizenship follows finalization.
What post-adoption support does Hand in Hand offer?
Hand in Hand offers post-adoption coaching through experienced professionals — many of them adoptive parents — for challenges including attachment issues, unexpected diagnoses, behavioral issues, birth history searches, and more. Sessions are by video chat; $75 per session after a free consultation. We also maintain a lifelong community of Hand in Hand families.
Domestic vs. International Adoption
What is the difference between international adoption and domestic infant adoption?
International adoption involves adopting a child from another country through a Hague-accredited agency and the legal processes of both the United States and the child’s home country. Children available internationally are typically older, part of a sibling group, or have special needs — though programs vary by country. The process generally takes one to three years. Domestic infant adoption involves adopting a newborn born in the United States, typically through a birth mother who has chosen adoption for her child. Timelines, costs, and emotional journeys differ significantly between the two paths. Families interested in domestic infant adoption may wish to explore Heart to Heart Adoptions, a licensed nonprofit domestic infant adoption agency in Utah that works with birth mothers and adoptive families across the country.
Countries We Serve
We partner with select international programs focused on ethical adoption and child-centered care.
Adopt from Brazil
The #1 U.S. program in Brazil — specializing in siblings, older children, and families ready to keep brothers and sisters together.
Adopt from Bulgaria
A transparent, Hague-accredited process with shorter timelines for children over three and those with special needs.
Adopt from Haiti
A program with deep roots — Hand in Hand has guided Haitian adoptions since 1990, including relative adoptions.
Adopt from Hong Kong
Our newest program focuses on children with special placement needs. Finalization happens in the U.S. after you return home.
Adopt from Hungary
Hand in Hand’s newest country program. Contact us to learn about current openings and requirements.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
We're here to answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.